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New Japan is back to a single dome WK this year for the first time since 2019. There is a second "Wrestle Kingdom" card later in the month that little is known about and I suspect could be similar to the NJPW X NOAH show in Yokohama in 2022. New Year's Dash is back in it's traditional 1.5 slot and I'm hoping that given the amount of people not booked on the main Dome card it'll be a return to the big surprises and angles it used to be known by for years. The preshow starts 90 minutesbefore the main card. The main card will begin at 3:00 EST/8:00 GMT/17:00 JST: official preview WRESTLE KINGDOM 17 January 4th at 3:00 EST/8:00 GMT/17:00 JST for main card TOKYO DOME Preshow-90 minutes before gong 3 minute Time Limit exhibition:Ryohei Oiwa vs. Boltin Oleg A decorated 125 kg amateur wrestler from Kazakhstan makes his exhibition debut at the dome. I'm sure this will be akin to the one between Great-O-Khan and Kitamura(rip) at their debut show and I don't expect to get much of a handle on him at this stage but it still shows that they have expectations for the guy and I'm hyped to see him. Prediction: TLD New Japan Rambo for the KOPW 2023 Right to Challenge The final four will advance to a four way on New Year's Dash this time due to the return of the one night format. Don't expect a workrate classic but it's fun to see some of the old guys who don't get featured anymore get a moment to shine and I imagine there's going to be a couple surprise veteran and outsiders popping up as usual. As a bonus it's tougher to get a read on this year as it's moved away from being the Yano Match deal. Will the 2022 winnder Shingo Takagi show up to attempt to win this year's? Is he going to be on Dynamite instead? Or will he show up disgruntled on the 5th and start a big angle (let's hope!) Prediction: Yano, Taichi, some dude from NOAH or GLEAT, and Ishii Antonio Inoki Memorial 6 man Tag: (40 minutes before gong) - Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima, and Yuji Nagata vs. Tatsumi Fujinami, Minoru Suzuki, and Tiger Mask The first of the two legend appearances on the show featuring 5 regular-ish roster members who date back to Inoki's era and an appropriate time for one of Fujinami's occasional appearances. I expect the memorial presentation pre-match to be more memorable than anything going on inside the ring but it'll be kinda interesting to see Suzuki's first match since the dissolution of his unit. Prediction:uh, i guess team Nagata as TMIV seems like an obvious fall guy? Main Card IWGP Jr Heavyweight Tag Championship: Catch 2/2 (c) vs. CHAOS (YOH and Lio Rush) (Super Jr. Tag League Winners) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV-cEfyf9e8 A junior title match opens the actual main show as we often see at Wrestle Kingdom. The division has been one of the highlights of the company in recent months and everything's been clicking with both teams. I find Catch 2/2's work as a team far more compelling than anything either member was doing solo in New Japan before it started and imo Gideon Grey's entrance work has added more to them than the rest of the unit for whatever reason. Lio Rush is one of the few recentishvioj US indie talents that really stuck out to me and i'm really glad to see him faring so well on proper domestic NJPW shows. Obviously his partner YOH desperately needed a change of pace in his career and the team clicked really well exhibiting good chemistry in a short period of time during the BOSJ Tag. Should be an excellent opener: Prediction: CHAOS IWGP Women's Championship:KAIRI (c) vs. Tam Nakano https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySG2g1nuses Not gonna lie, I follow Stardom less than i used to but both those women are excellent workers (Tam used to be v underrated) and the title got off to a great start in Ariake. There's been women's matches featuring their talent on the preshows of recent Dome cards but this is the first serious singles match for real stakes. Most of the attention in the west has revolved around a certain widely rumored debuting star but don't sleep on the actual action we'll prbably get to witness. Prediciton: KAIRI IWGP Tag Champsionship:FTR (c) vs. Bishamon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtRCFloUhTI One of the two titles that have infrequently seen as they've been held by foreign talent tied to another company. While I find it hard to get too hyped for the heavyweight tag division unlike the match for the other belt I expect this one to deliver in ring . FTR's big tag matches consistently delivered for me in 2022 while I may have a different opinion of Dax's singles matches and tweets. Bishamon's a popular team of two vets and I love how they've been increasingly given more of a tag identity with the new theme and gear. Prediction: Bishamon NJPW World TV Championship Tournament Final:Ren Narita vs. Zack Sabre Jr. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJTtNSDgtaQ The match I am personally most hyped for on the entire card. Narita's looked outstanding since his return and the shibata/inoki heir gimmick has worked wonderfully. A 15 minute match between him and ZSJ esp given the history ZSJ and Shibata have should be absolutely perfect and as a bonus I'm really not sure who's walking out with the belt. Crowning the young returning talent at the biggest stage possible makes sense, but I could see them wanting to give him an obstacle to overcome plus give Zack a strong direction coming out of the disbandment of his former unit. Prediction: Narita NEVER Openweight Championship:"The Machinegun" Karl Anderson(c) vs. Tama Tonga https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTae3AGB8LQ I'm sure most of you know the shoot backstory of this match and how they turned MGKA going back to the fed into an angle. I'll always have a soft spot for the man based on his superlative singles run a decade ago, but well, that was a decade ago and after a promising first match back for "Bright Lights Machine Gun" he wasn't quite able to follow up and obviously now doesn't want to put his fed gig in jeopardy. Can't say my expecations are exactly sky high but hey, the first Tama match was good. Prediction: Tama Tonga Keiji Mutoh Final NJPW Match:Keiji Mutoh, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Shota Umino vs. L.I.J (Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, and BUSHI) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WybBNcPLhN0 Mutoh's is ofc a savvy enough worker to realize he can do two farewell matches everywhere and here he is for his New Japan one under his normal character. If handled right this is a great spot for Umino to have his first big Dome match partnering with two of the biggest legends in company history. As a big fan of both guys i'm also just relieved that Tana and Naito were given something decent on this show. Should be a fun match that serves it's purpose just don't expect a high Meltzer rating. Let's also hope mutoh's post match backstage promo is less notable than his NOAH one under the hood a few days ago.... Prediction: Mutoh/Tana/Umino IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship 4 Way:Taiji Ishimori(c) vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Desperado vs. Master Wato https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOvBKQWQEuY&t=2s Bad News: Juniors get a four way and not a regular singles match Good News: All four of those guys abosulutely killed it in that parejas incredibles match in Osaka which ended up as one of my top matches of the year. If they can repeat that it'll probably be my favorite four way match not done under Dragongate rules in history. Prediction: Hiromu IWGP US Heavyweight Championship:Will Ospreay(c) vs Kenny Omega https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DSWbHNOp0U Now if it's a high star rating you want this is the match for you as the floor is i'm sure ****3/4 from Dave. Many people believe these two guys are the greatest wrestlers in the world today and while there hasn't been a ton of direct build there's been plenty of rumors and comments for months. Almost all of Kenny's work in AEW since his return has been in trios matches and I'm very cuirious to see how he looks in a big singles match in his NJPW return. Prediction: Ospreay IWGP World Heavyweight Championship:Jay White(c) vs. Kazuchika Okada https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xjWtchil3w Jay's reign hasn't clicked either for me or much of this forum as his appearances have felt more sporadic then they've actually been and the shtick of reminding everyone that clap clouds suck and aren't what anyone wants is kinda a questionable one. On paper this is probably the coldest I've been on a dome main event since I started watching them live 10 years ago. Still, we can't forget an excellent professional wrestler and Okada is well, Kazuchika loving Okada. I have the two of them will make this work inside the ring and ensure that a dome main event delivers and I'd be shocked if most of us leave unsatisfied. Prediction: Okada Thauros fucked around with this message at 00:16 on Jan 3, 2023 |
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Jan 3, 2023 00:02
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| # ? Apr 29, 2024 08:15 |
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New Year's Dash is back on the schedule for the first time in a couple years with the return to a single Dome card. For many years this was one of the most exciting shows of the year as there was always at least one huge shocking angle or return. Sadly the last few iterations basically saw it as just a mystery vortex Road to card and mostly skippable. I'm hoping this marks a return to the 2013-2018 style ones especially with SZKG's disbandament and some of the talent we know that's not booked at the Dome NEW YEAR'S DASH January 5th at 4:30 EST/9:30 G/b]T/18:30 JST Ota Ward Gym KOPW 2023 4 Way: X vs. X vs. X vs. X rest of card unknown until show itself unfolds Thauros fucked around with this message at 00:10 on Jan 3, 2023 |
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Jan 3, 2023 00:04
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Hopefully oleg destroys Oiwa and then Fujita runs in the ring and he destroys fujita too and picks them both up and carries them away for them to start excursion Because if njpw are serious about not dawdling on young lions anymore as kidani suggested then there is literally nothing for Oiwa and Fujita to learn as YLs. Get them on excursion and have them back by power struggle
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Jan 3, 2023 00:08
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Bamboozled that Shingo is still not announced for this.
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Jan 3, 2023 00:11
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Happening in the morning on a workday for me. If I was in Finland I’d be watching this as we know that Christmas holidays should be two weeks. Fuckin Germans don’t know how to do holidays  Thinking I might be present at the Dome for next year’s WK though. It’s time (again)
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Jan 3, 2023 00:13
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if a mod could add EST after 3:00 AM int the title I'd appreciate it. I had to redo the postting attempt and forgot to add that the second time
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Jan 3, 2023 00:14
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Watching this with IRL friends this year. 8AM is a bit of an early start but worth doing
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Jan 3, 2023 00:17
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The problem with Jay White as too guy is simple. He lives in America now. Fair play to him but it does kind of mean he's an uninteresting champion. It's funny, 2021 Shingo as champ was one of the only positive things about New Japan, 2022 & everyone is generally happier about Nooj but down on the champ this time. Guess that means put the title back on Takagi
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Jan 3, 2023 00:23
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I'm kind of surprised to see Suzuki on the card at all, I assumed he'd be spending the beginning fo the year in All Japan after seemingly striking up a partnership with young Hokuto Omori. Can't be bothered looking for the toxx thread but i'm so sure Kenny is losing that if he takes the belt tomorrow I'll watch a full episode of Dynamite in penance
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Jan 3, 2023 00:27
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With Okada almost certainly winning (it's the Inoki tribute show. Not having a heel win the main for that one), I'd like to see some fresh faces in the title picture going forward seeing as Kazu has faced the regulars a million times. So I'm willing into existence: a Tom Lawlor title shot for 2023. His style works well for NJPW, he's connected with the fans and he's clearly enjoying himself. And he'll never let Bryan hear the end of it
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Jan 3, 2023 00:28
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SG Bamboo posted:I'm kind of surprised to see Suzuki on the card at all, I assumed he'd be spending the beginning fo the year in All Japan after seemingly striking up a partnership with young Hokuto Omori. Steady on
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Jan 3, 2023 00:28
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Looking forward to the show! I'm hoping to catch up enough at work tomorrow that I can take Wednesday off - I don't think my old rear end can handle staying up to watch live but I can put it on as soon as the replay is up. Narita/ZSJ is my sleeper MotN pick too.
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Jan 3, 2023 00:50
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king of sports
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Jan 3, 2023 00:53
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Ziggy Tzardust posted:With Okada almost certainly winning (it's the Inoki tribute show. Not having a heel win the main for that one), I'd like to see some fresh faces in the title picture going forward seeing as Kazu has faced the regulars a million times FIVE STAR TAICHI
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Jan 3, 2023 00:54
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Anyway I extended my Xmas holiday through to tomorrow so I'm fully hype for this 
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Jan 3, 2023 00:55
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Rarity posted:Anyway I extended my Xmas holiday through to tomorrow so I'm fully hype for this Tomorrow is the 3rd though
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Jan 3, 2023 00:59
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I'm on Xmas hols time is meaningless
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Jan 3, 2023 01:01
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forkboy84 posted:Guess that means put the title back on Takagi This could be used to justify anything If AEW put their belt on Shingo this week with no build my reaction would be "that was the correct decision"
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Jan 3, 2023 01:03
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Hell yes it's Wrestle Kingdom time, my favorite part of this time of the year is the bit where I get to watch Wrestle Kingdom!  SG Bamboo posted:Can't be bothered looking for the toxx thread but i'm so sure Kenny is losing that if he takes the belt tomorrow I'll watch a full episode of Dynamite in penance Alright folks, we've conferred and I think we can agree that the last thing Brer Rabbit wants is to be thrown into that briar patch!
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Jan 3, 2023 01:13
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Ziggy Tzardust posted:With Okada almost certainly winning (it's the Inoki tribute show. Not having a heel win the main for that one), I'd like to see some fresh faces in the title picture going forward seeing as Kazu has faced the regulars a million times. So I'm willing into existence: a Tom Lawlor title shot for 2023. His style works well for NJPW, he's connected with the fans and he's clearly enjoying himself. And he'll never let Bryan hear the end of it True Inoki tributes should have the heel win. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0FV4bXO90U More Riots
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Jan 3, 2023 01:15
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Lid posted:Bamboozled that Shingo is still not announced for this. Shingo has specifically announced he's NOT on this
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Jan 3, 2023 01:16
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Chinston Wurchill posted:Narita/ZSJ is my sleeper MotN pick too. Sleeper?
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Jan 3, 2023 01:22
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Penguin Patrol posted:Sleeper? Low-level match that will exceed expectations. Though I suppose if I have high expectations the term might not be entirely appropriate.
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Jan 3, 2023 01:45
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Yeah, I think a lot of people have it at at worst the #2 match of the night after Kenny Ospreay, & I'm probably more excited for mini-Shibata vs ZSJ myself
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Jan 3, 2023 01:48
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yes sorry i know what a sleeper is lol, just can't imagine labeling ZSJ/Ren as such
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Jan 3, 2023 02:09
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The only possible sleeper matches are Ka vs Tama and the Mutoh match, because I expect every other one to be a blast
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Jan 3, 2023 02:12
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The Mutoh match is gonna rule because Naito and Shota are gonna go at it again
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Jan 3, 2023 02:16
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Oh, did anyone with Voices of Wrestling Patreon access see what was being hinted at here? https://twitter.com/voiceswrestling/status/1610045595648933893?t=s1qeqrLNJ2we-z3zXWuOng&s=19 Potential departures and a reason for the Suzukigun split seem interesting
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Jan 3, 2023 02:32
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>Major comany >All Japan 
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Jan 3, 2023 02:40
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Guess the Suzuki-gun split was something upper management wanted due to most of the members working under handshake deals and not under contract.
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Jan 3, 2023 02:44
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I have had a hard time following New Japan this year. I'm going to be watching Wrestle Kingdom and I'm looking forward to it. I will say I'm really unenthusiastic about another Okada vs Jay White match, but I'm sure it will be good.
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Jan 3, 2023 02:45
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if lanza's correct desperado not being under contract is very odd. he's a dojo trained trueborn new japan guy. lanza said years ago when szkg returned from noah that they were all working handshake deals except for kanemaru but i assumed he was an exception or one that was rectifoed over the past 5 years
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Jan 3, 2023 02:46
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forkboy84 posted:Oh, did anyone with Voices of Wrestling Patreon access see what was being hinted at here? Sho and yoh got big dragon gate offers and Despy potentially gone. Bushi to ajpw likely. Suzukigjn was a bushiroad decision as they want people to be under contract and the majority of them are freelance.
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Jan 3, 2023 02:47
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That makes no sense, OK, Suzuki as a freelancer. But why would Taichi & Despy not be signed? That's dumb & weird tbh. SHO & YOH in Dragongate makes some sense, they've stalled hard in New Japan, they are both good looking dudes & not too big to totally tower over the DG roster. Though they are a bit old by DG standards at 33 & 34 but I suppose with the Toryumon guys being steadily phased out I get it. For real though, Despy not being under contract? loving hell. Oh well, he should sign to FREEDOMS & just do deathmatches forever now, he can join UNCHAIN & get to tag with Kasai now. Honestly bewildered by this. forkboy84 fucked around with this message at 03:07 on Jan 3, 2023 |
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Jan 3, 2023 02:56
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I take Lanzas reporting with a huge grain of salt tbh. Who in the company told him this information basically? He quite often contradicts his stories from week to week. Despe got the biggest push of his career over the pandemic. I think this is educated speculation based on a few things that may end up being kayfabed. I am pretty sure his sources are people like Chase Owens. Now a couple of months ago some person posted in r/njpw that chase was involved with his or her friend going missing. It was weird. Anyways they posted chat logs to prove this but it just proved that his friend and Chase talked. I bring this up because in those chat logs almost every story Chase told was obviously false. It's why I dislike this sort of stuff. These guys are professional liars. For the record nooj could do with some roster turnover but wouldn't the way they rebuild the roster be by raiding other promotions??? Burn Down Canberra fucked around with this message at 03:59 on Jan 3, 2023 |
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Jan 3, 2023 03:56
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Taichi is definitely under contract and El Desperado’s Twitter bio is literally “Pro Wrestler Signed to NJPW. All Tweets are my own opinion and not NJPW” I’ve heard the SZKG break up was a combination of him being old and NJPW not having any rights to the name or merch
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Jan 3, 2023 03:58
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The Suzuki-Gun breakup was because New Japan was so scared of how powerful Taichi-Gun would be if they didn't stop it before it could form naturally 
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Jan 3, 2023 04:03
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Jerusalem posted:The Suzuki-Gun breakup was because New Japan was so scared of how powerful Taichi-Gun would be if they didn't stop it before it could form naturally Now he’s gonna get recruited by Shingo-gun and get more powerful than their wildest imagination
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Jan 3, 2023 04:07
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GEORGE W BUSHI posted:Now he’s gonna get recruited by Shingo-gun and get more powerful than their wildest imagination https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AUaXI4jU88&t=8s
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Jan 3, 2023 04:09
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| # ? Apr 29, 2024 08:15 |
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I have a real former Suzuki-gun member scoop for you Do not click if you don’t want something big spoiled for WK Zack is blond now
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Jan 3, 2023 04:23
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